Sporting KC goalkeeper Jon Kempin selected to United States Under-20 Men’s National Team

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jon Kempin was named to the United States Under-20 Men’s National Team for a training camp from Jan. 14-22 in Mexico, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Friday.

Kempin, 19, is one of two goalkeepers chosen to the 20-player roster by head coach Tab Ramos. The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team will face Panama in closed-door matches on Jan. 19 and Jan. 21.

“This will be a great trip, the last before qualifying, with great simulation for what is ahead.,” Kempin said. “The core group of guys are in camp and we have two good, tough games versus Panama. I look forward to getting to U.S. camp and making a strong impression.”

The training camp will take place in Puebla, Mexico, which serves as the site of the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship from Feb. 18 – March 3. The event serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey with the top four teams from the CONCACAF region securing berths.

A Leawood, Kan. native, Kempin was Sporting Kansas City’s first Home Grown Player upon signing at age 17 in 2010. He has extensive experience at the Youth National Team level and was a member of the United States Under-23 National Team in November 2011 for a training camp held in Germany. He last played for the Under-20’s at the Torneo de las Americas in November 2010.

Kempin will join Sporting Kansas City for pre-season in Tucson, Ariz. on Jan. 23.